Integrated surgical implant delivery system and method

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for an incentive system are provided. One embodiment relates to a system including a processing circuit and a communications interface. The processing circuit includes an inventory module configured to track an inventory of medical devices, a usage module configured to generate usage data in response to use of one or more of the medical devices, an ordering module configured to generate a purchase order based on the usage data, the purchase order involving two or more parties, and a billing module configured to determine whether each party is eligible to use an incentive system, determine incentive options available to each eligible party, provide the associated incentive options to each eligible party, receive at least one incentive option selection, and generate transaction details for the purchase order based on the at least one selection.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/755,468, filed Jun. 30, 2015, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/088,069, filed Nov. 22, 2013, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Traditional systems and methods for providing support for a surgical operation that involves a medical device (e.g., an implant to be inserted in the surgery, a tool used in the surgery, etc.) typically include pre-operation planning, providing support during the operation, and post-operation support. A product specialist for the medical device may provide such support for the use of the medical device throughout the surgical operation process.

The product specialist may provide various functions for a hospital relating to the medical device. The product specialist may be on-site to provide the various functions. For example, the on-site product specialist may provide the surgical staff support and training for using the medical device in a procedure (e.g., how to insert an implant into a patient, how to use one or more tools during a surgical operation, etc.). The on-site product specialist may also provide advisory services to a doctor relating to the use of the medical device. Further, the on-site product specialist may track inventory of the medical device in the hospital and provide sales-related services. For example, the on-site product specialist may order more medical devices for the hospital, create an invoice charging the hospital for use of the medical device, etc.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a system including a processing circuit and a communications interface. The processing circuit includes an inventory module configured to track an inventory of medical devices, a usage module configured to generate usage data in response to use of one or more of the medical devices, an ordering module configured to generate a purchase order based on the usage data, the purchase order involving two or more parties, and a billing module configured to determine whether each party involved in the purchase order is eligible to use an incentive system, determine incentive options available to each eligible party, provide the associated incentive options to each eligible party, receive at least one incentive selection, and generate transaction details for the purchase order based on the at least one selection.

Another embodiment relates to a method. The method includes determining whether each party involved in a transaction for one or more medical devices, the transaction involving two or more parties, is eligible to use an incentive system; determining incentive options available to each eligible party; and providing the associated incentive options to each eligible party. The method further includes receiving at least one incentive option selection and generating transaction details for the transaction based on the at least one selection.

Another embodiment relates to a method. The method includes detecting use of a medical device in a hospital, updating an inventory of the medical device, and generating usage data based on the use of the medical device. The method also includes generating a purchase order based on the usage data, the purchase order involving at least the hospital and a vendor supplying the medical device to the hospital. The method further includes, based on the purchase order, providing incentive options to at least one of the hospital or the vendor and receiving at least one incentive option selection from the at least one of the hospital or the vendor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an operating room in which the systems and methods described herein may be implemented, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an operating room including cameras and sensors for detecting a medical device, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an example display for providing a video connection between personnel in an operating room and a product specialist, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a monitoring system integrated into the operating room of FIG. 1 for tracking use of a medical device, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating implementation of various modules of FIG. 4 by parties to a medical device transaction, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating implementation of various modules of FIG. 4 by parties to a medical device transaction, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a process for providing various inventory and sales functions in response to a detected use of a medical device, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a process for providing a discounted rate system to parties to an ordering process, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a process for providing a video connection between personnel in an operating room and a product specialist, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a shipping container including multiple trays and medical devices, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an operating room, including the shipping container of FIG. 7 and cameras and sensors for detecting a medical device from the shipping container, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a tracking system integrated into the shipping container of FIG. 7 for tracking medical devices, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a process for tracking medical device usage of a medical device removed from a shipping container, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the figures, systems and methods for tracking medical device use and providing services related to the medical device are shown and described. The systems and methods described herein may be used in place of having an on-site product specialist. The systems and methods described herein may be used to track the use and inventory of medical devices in a hospital, to set up simulcasts or videoconferences with a product specialist located remotely from the hospital, and to assist personnel in an operating room. The systems and methods allow a product specialist to assist with use of a medical device, but in an off-site manner instead of being on-site.

In one embodiment, a system for monitoring a surgical procedure using a medical device in an operating room is described. The system includes one or more cameras positioned in the operating room, and one or more displays (e.g., monitors) positioned in the operating room. The system includes a telecommunications link configured to permit a videoconference between personnel in the operating room (e.g., surgeons) and a product specialist (or other person) associated with the medical device. The videoconference is provided using the one or more displays to present the product specialist to the surgeon and the one or more cameras for providing the product specialist with a view of the operating room, including the patient, medical device, etc.

The monitoring system further includes a module for identifying the medical device, either by optical scanning by the cameras, image recognition, or an RFID reader configured to scan a RFID tag of the medical device. The monitoring system then identifies the product specialist associated with the medical device along with other medical device information. Further, the monitoring system tracks usage of the medical device and performs various functions such as updating an inventory of the medical device, generating transaction details, such as by determining pricing and/or generating an invoice, for the medical device being used, and generating an order to provide to a vendor, supplier, distributor, etc. for re-stocking the hospital with the medical device.

In another embodiment, a medical device inventory tracking system is described. The system includes a shipping container configured to contain one or more medical devices. The system further includes a sensor coupled to the shipping container configured to detect the presence of the medical devices. The system further includes a processing circuit integrated into the shipping container, configured to receive a signal from the sensor when a medical device is taken and used, and to perform an action based on the signal. The action may be updating an inventory, generating transaction details, such as by determining pricing and/or generating an invoice, generating an order to provide to a vendor for re-stocking the hospital with the medical device, or otherwise.

The medical device inventory tracking system includes a module for identifying the medical device based on the signal from the sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor is an RFID reader configured to scan an RFID tag of the medical device. The tracking system may then perform various functions such as updating an inventory of the medical device in the shipping container, generating transaction details, such as by determining pricing and/or generating an invoice, for the medical device being used, and generating an order to provide to a vendor, supplier, distributor, etc. for re-stocking the hospital with the medical device.

The monitoring system and tracking system as presented in the present disclosure may be used to provide various services to the hospital. In one embodiment, one of the monitoring system and tracking system may be provided for monitoring medical device usage. In another embodiment, the hospital may include both a monitoring system in an operating room and a tracking system integrated with a shipping container to monitor medical device usage, and the monitoring system and tracking system may work in concert. In yet another embodiment, the monitoring system and tracking system may be implemented as a single system in the hospital. In yet other embodiments, some of the functionality of the monitoring system as described below may be executed in the tracking system, and vice versa. It should be understood that any such combination of functionality of the monitoring system and tracking system described above fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, it should further be understood that the monitoring system and tracking system may be configured to work with existing systems, devices, or apparatuses present in an operating room or elsewhere in a hospital to accomplish the functions described herein (e.g., tracking usage of a medical device).

Referring to FIG. 1, an illustration of an operating room 100 in which the systems and methods described herein may be implemented is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Operating room 100 may generally be an environment in which a surgical procedure is performed. While the systems and methods described herein are described as implemented in an operating room of a hospital, it should be understood that in other exemplary embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be implemented in any other location.

Operating room 100 may be occupied by one or more surgeons 102 (e.g., a surgical team, or other personnel) and a patient 104. Operating room 100 may include various equipment for assisting surgeons 102 with a surgical operation to be performed on patient 104. For example, operating room 100 includes displays 106. Displays 106 may be configured to display information, to provide video, or otherwise. For example, a surgeon 102 may participate in a videoconference with a product specialist located remotely from operating room 100 via displays 106. As another example, a surgeon 102 may view information related to a medical device being used in an operation on displays 106.

In one embodiment, displays 106 may be in various fixed locations in operating room 100. For example, one display 106 is shown mounted on a wall of operating room 100, and another display 106 is shown on a table and may be connected to a computer including a processing circuit configured to control display 106. In other embodiments, displays 106 may be temporarily or permanently positioned in operating room 100 by a surgeon 102 in any location (e.g., mounted or anchored to an instrument table, anchored in a position that allows the surgeon to view the display while operating, etc.). Displays 106 may be displays of any type of configuration (e.g., LCD, CRT display, etc.).

Operating room 100 may further include one or more remote devices 108. Remote devices 108 may be devices belonging to a surgeon 102 or may be associated with operating room 100. Remote devices 108 may be, for example, cell phones, tablets, laptop computers, or other handheld devices. Remote devices 108 may be configured to display information in a similar manner to displays 106. For example, a remote device 108 such as a tablet may be used in a videoconference. Remote devices 108 may further be configured to provide support to surgeons 102 during an operation. Remote devices 108 may be held by a surgeon 102 or mounted in an advantageous location for viewing by surgeons 102.

While not shown in FIG. 1, the operating room 100 environment may further include other devices for providing sensory feedback to surgeons 102. For example, operating room 100 may include speakers for providing auditory feedback (e.g., from a product specialist communicating remotely with surgeons 102). As another example, one or more surgeons may have an earpiece, microphone, headset, or other devices useful for communications with a product specialist without being near a display 106 or remote device 108.

Operating room 100 is shown to include a monitoring system 110 which may be implemented in a computing device located in operating room 100 (or located remotely from operating room 100). Monitoring system 110 may generally be configured to monitor the activity in operating room 100. In the present embodiment, monitoring system 110 is configured to monitor the use of one or more medical devices during an operation. For example, monitoring system 110 may be able to detect when a medical device is being used or about to be used in an operation. Monitoring system 110 may identify the medical device and provide support in response, such as providing surgeons 102 with medical device details, setting up a videoconference or simulcast, or otherwise. As shown in FIG. 1, monitoring system 110 may be executed in a computer connected to a display 106, in other embodiments, monitoring system 110 may be in any type of computing device local to or remotely located from operating room 100. The operation of monitoring system 110 is described in greater detail in FIG. 4.

Operating room 100 is further shown to include a plurality of cameras 112. Cameras 112 may be configured to provide visual support during an operation in operating room 100. For example, cameras 112 may record video to be provided in a simulcast of an operation for a product specialist. As another example, video or images captured by cameras 112 may be used to detect or verify the use of a medical device in an operation. Cameras 112 may further provide general monitoring services for operating room 100 and the hospital. Input from cameras 112 may be received at monitoring system 110.

In addition to cameras 112, one or more webcams or remote devices 108 may further be configured to provide monitoring services for operating room 100. While the present disclosure describes monitoring activities using cameras 112, it should be understood that other devices with video capabilities (e.g., webcams, cell phones, tablets, etc.) may be used to provide monitoring services in addition to or in lieu of cameras 112.

Operating room 100 is further shown to include an RFID reader 114 configured to detect an RFID tag. Referring also to FIG. 2, the detection of a medical device using cameras 112 and RFID reader 114 in operating room 100 is illustrated. Surgeon 102 is shown holding a medical device 202. Medical device 202 may be an implant, a tool, or the like. Medical device 202 includes an RFID tag 204 which may be detected by RFID reader 114. RFID reader 114 may be located in any position in operating room 100 such that a medical device including an RFID tag to be used in an operation is detected. For example, RFID reader 114 may be located in a ceiling, wall, or floor of operating room 100, may be coupled to a computer, monitor, operating table, or any other equipment in operating room 100, may be in a remote device 108 of a surgeon 102, or otherwise. In various embodiments, RFID reader 114 may be automatically configured to scan for and detect medical devices, or a surgeon 102 may approach RFID reader 114 to manually scan the medical device. In one embodiment, operating room 100 may include other sensors in addition to or in place of RFID reader 114 for sensing the presence of medical device 202.

Cameras 112 may be used instead of or in concert with RFID reader 114 to identify medical device 202. For example, if medical device 202 includes a bar code, cameras 112 may be configured to capture video or images of the bar code, and a processing circuit associated with cameras 112 (e.g., monitoring system 110) may read the bar code to identify the medical device. As another example, cameras 112 may capture images of medical device 202 and a processing circuit associated with cameras 112 (e.g., monitoring system 110) may use object recognition to identify medical device 202 without the use of an identifier associated with medical device 202. Surgeon 102 may approach a camera 112 to have the camera record an image or video of the medical device, or cameras 112 may be configured to automatically record an image or video, and monitoring system 110 may identify the device.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an example display 106 for providing a video connection between personnel in an operating room and a product specialist is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Display 106 may be used by a surgeon or other personnel to communicate with a product specialist and to view information related to an operation or medical device. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, display 106 is described with respect to providing video and information relating to a medical device, but display 106 may additionally include other information relevant to the personnel that is not related directly to the medical device.

Display 106 may be connected to a camera 302 and sensor 304. Camera 302 and sensor 304 may be coupled to display 106. Camera 302 may be, for example, a webcam that feeds video or images to a viewer (e.g., a product specialist) located remotely from operating room 100. Camera 302 may be used to provide a simulcast of the operation or of one or more surgeons or other personnel. In other embodiments, there may not be a camera 302 local to display 106 and the video feed or images from one or more of cameras 112 may be provided, or video from both cameras 112 and camera 302 may be provided. Sensor 304 may be a configured to detect a medical device and may have a functionality similar to RFID reader 114 as described above. In various embodiments, there may not be a sensor 304 local to display 106, or sensor 304 may be used in place of RFID reader 114.

Display 106 is shown to include a video 306 portion that allows a surgeon to communicate face-to-face with a product specialist. Video 306 portion may include a live stream of the product specialist. Video 306 portion may alternatively or additionally be used to show a tutorial or other instruction for using a medical device in an operation.

Display 106 is further shown to include other portions for providing medical device information. For example, display 106 may include a training 308 section, where the surgeon may view medical device information, instructions for using the medical device in an operation, other tools needed or requirements for using the medical device, etc. Display 106 may also include an inventory 310 section, where the surgeon may view inventory-related information (e.g., how many medical devices are in stock in the hospital, what medical devices are needed for the current operation, etc.). Display 106 may further include other sections to provide information to the personnel. For example, inventory 310 section may include information about an order to be placed to a vendor, distributor, supplier, etc. for replenishing a stock of a medical device in the hospital, an invoice charging the hospital for use of a medical device, or otherwise. As another example, display 106 may display information provided by a product specialist.

It should be understood that while display 106 is shown as presenting various information relating to the medical device, some or all of the features provided by display 106 may be alternatively or additionally provided on other devices. For example, some or all of the features of display 106 may be provided on a remote device 108 of a surgeon. Any number of displays and/or remote devices may be used in combination in operating room 100 to provide the features described herein.

While display 106 is described with reference to being provided in an operating room 100, it should be understood that a similar display may be provided for an off-site product specialist. The display may provide the product specialist with a live view of operating room 100 and the operation, along with inventory information of the hospital, medical device information, and other relevant information. The product specialist can then provide guidance for use of the medical device and for the operation.

Referring now to FIG. 4, monitoring system 110 is shown in greater detail. Monitoring system 110 may generally be configured to monitor activity in an operating room, including the use of one or more medical devices in the operating room. For example, monitoring system 110 may identify a medical device 202, set up a videoconference or simulcast in operating room 100, update inventory, order and re-stock the medical device, and provide other such services.

As shown in FIG. 1, monitoring system 110 may be implemented in a computing system local to operating room 100; in other embodiments, monitoring system 110 may be located remotely from monitoring system 110. Further, while monitoring system 110 is shown as a single system, it should be understood that some of the modules, databases, and other components of monitoring system 110 may be located in different locations, computing devices, etc. (e.g., tracking system 900 as described below). Moreover, in some embodiments, monitoring system 110 may be implemented at or between various parties involved in a purchase order of medical devices, as described in further detail below with references to FIGS. 5 and 6.

Monitoring system 110 is shown to include a communications interface 408 configured to communicate with various equipment, devices, and the like. Communications interface 408 may be configured to establish a wireless or wired (e.g., USB) connection with any number of devices that may provide input for monitoring system 110. For example, communications interface 408 may establish a connection with one or more cameras 112, RFID readers 114, various displays (e.g., displays 106 or remote device 108), sensors, and other devices in operating room 100. Communications interface 408 may further establish a connection with one or more vendors or manufacturers 440 (e.g., a medical device provider or distributor) and one or more product specialists 442. Product specialists 442 may be personnel trained and verified to provide medical support relating to a medical device. Product specialists 442 may be associated with one or more vendors, may be trained and funded by one or more vendors, or may otherwise be associated with the vendors in any way.

While communications interface 408 is shown as a single interface, it should be understood that monitoring system 110 may include a plurality of interfaces for communicating with a plurality of devices. For example, communications interface 408 may include a first interface configured to establish a wired or local connection with cameras 112 and RFID reader 114, and a second interface configured to establish a connection over a network with vendors or manufacturers 440 or product specialist 442. Additionally, it should be understood that the communications interface 408 may communicate with devices not shown in FIG. 4, such as a patient's electronic medical record such that the monitoring system 110 may download a unique device identifier (“UDI”) associated with a medical device implanted into the patient to the medical record.

Monitoring system 110 is shown to include a processing circuit 402 including a processor 404 and memory 406. Processor 404 may be implemented as a general purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. Memory 406 is one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing and/or facilitating the various user or client processes, layers, and modules described in the present disclosure. Memory 406 may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Memory 406 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures of the present disclosure. Memory 406 is communicably connected to processor 404 and includes computer code or instruction modules for executing one or more processes described herein. Memory 406 is shown to include various modules 410-426 for completing the activities described herein.

Memory 406 is shown to include a device ID module 410. Device ID module 410 is configured to identify a medical device based on input from cameras 112, RFID reader 114, or other devices. In one embodiment, device ID module 410 may be configured to receive a signal from RFID reader 114. RFID reader 114 may detect the medical device via an RFID tag on the medical device, and an indication may be provided to device ID module 410.

In one embodiment, device ID module 410 may use optical scanning to identify a device (using object recognition or text recognition capabilities). Device ID module 410 may receive a video, image, a series of images, etc., from cameras 112. The video or images may include the medical device. Device ID module 410 may then use object recognition to identify the type of medical device depicted in the video or images. Device ID module 410 may also or alternatively use text recognition to identify text, a symbol, a label, or any other identifier on the medical device, and use the identification to identify the medical device.

In one embodiment, device ID module 410 may identify the medical device via a bar code. For example, a bar code may be recognized by device ID module 410, a sensor 304 may be configured to scan a bar code of the medical device, or otherwise. Device ID module 410 may then identify the medical device based on the bar code.

In one embodiment, each medical device may include a unique device identifier (e.g., each medical device may be numbered in a way that allows for easy inventory tracking). Device ID module 410 may be configured to identify each medical device by its unique device identifier, in addition to identifying the type of medical device. The unique identifier may be stored on an RFID tag, indicated by a number or symbol on the medical device, or otherwise.

Memory 406 is shown to include a device information module 412. Device information module 412 is configured to provide medical device support for an identified medical device. Device information module 412 may provide medical device properties, a preferred usage of the medical device, a supplier or manufacturer of the medical device, or a product specialist associated with the medical device. Device information module 412 may retrieve medical device information stored in medical device information database 428 or another source.

In one embodiment, the information relating to the individual medical device includes one or more product specialists associated with the medical device. The product specialist may be a designated person trained to provide medical support for use of the medical device. The product specialist information may be provided to video module 418 for setting up a teleconference with the product specialist.

In one embodiment, device information module 412 may be used to verify if the medical device is to be used in an operation. For example, device information module 412 may retrieve operation information from a patient information database 430. Patient information database 430 may store information relating to patients and operations to be performed on the patients. Device information module 412 may verify that the detected medical device should be used in the operation for the patient (e.g., if the right implant is selected for insertion, if the right tools are on hand for the operation, etc.).

In one embodiment, device information module 412 may provide training materials related to the medical device. The training materials may be information specific to the medical device (e.g., how to install an implant in a patient, how to use a particular tool, warnings, etc.). Device information module 412 may provide such training materials to the surgeons in the operating room when the medical device is detected. Regardless of a hospital and its staff's attempt to anticipate usage of medical devices in individual situations, it is usually not possible to account for every possible situation. Device information module 412 may be configured to provide such specific support for individual operations.

Memory 406 is shown to include a camera module 414. Camera module 414 is configured to control the operation of cameras 112 (and other recording devices) in an operating room 100. Camera module 414 may work in conjunction with other modules to support the activities of monitoring system 110. For example, camera module 414 may be configured to record video or images of a medical device for identification by device ID module 410. As another example, camera module 414 may be configured to record the usage of a medical device during an operation for a simulcast generated by video module 418.

Memory 406 is shown to include a display module 416. Display module 416 is configured to generate a user interface such as display 106 shown in FIG. 3. Display module 416 may work in conjunction with other modules to support the activities of monitoring system 110. For example, display module 416 may display device information from device information module 412, inventory information generated by inventory module 420, billing information generated by billing module 422, or information from patient information database 430. Display module 416 may display video of a product specialist 442 conducting a videoconference with a surgeon in operating room 100. Display module 416 may further generate a user interface that allows a user to manually enter information related to the medical device (e.g., to request a product specialist, to manually update inventory, to look up medical device information, etc.).

Memory 406 is shown to include a video module 418. Video module 418 is configured to set up a videoconference with a product specialist 442, set up a simulcast of operating room 100, or provide other video-related functions. Video module 418 may set up a link with a product specialist 442 identified by device information module 412.

In one embodiment, video module 418 may be configured to generate a conference including multiple product specialists. For example, an operation may include a plurality of medical devices, and each medical device may have a different product specialist. Monitoring system 110 may identify and contact each product specialist, and video module 418 may be configured to set up a conference such that the product specialists may collaborate with the surgeons in the operating room together.

Memory 406 generally includes inventory module 420, usage module 421, billing module 422, and ordering module 424 for providing sales services to the hospital. Modules 420-424 may generally be able to provide the same sales services an on-site product specialist normally provides. Modules 420-424 may automatically track inventory and medical device use (instead of a product specialist manually tracking), create transaction details or invoices for medical device use (instead of a product specialist manually generating the invoice), and generate orders for re-stocking the medical device (instead of a product specialist generating the order).

Memory 406 is shown to include an inventory module 420. Inventory module 420 is configured to track inventory of medical devices in a hospital. Inventory module 420 may, upon detection of a medical device by device ID module 410, update the inventory in the hospital (e.g., by indicating that the medical device is being used in an operation). Inventory module 420 may further provide obsolescence tracking (e.g., tracking when a medical device is not wanted or used). Inventory module 420 may further track an inventory history relating to the medical device. Inventory module 420 may update an inventory database 426. Inventory database 426 may be accessible by any computer system and may provide up-to-date information relating to the current stock of medical devices in the hospital, in the operating room, in a shipping container, or otherwise.

Memory 406 is shown to include a usage module 421. Usage module 421 is configured to track usage of a medical device by the hospital. As an example, the usage module 421 may be configured to interface with the device ID module 410 to identify via information from the cameras 112, RFID reader 114, or other devices that a medical device has been used. As another example, the usage module 421 may be configured to identify that a medical device has been used based on usage information manually entered by operating room personnel or sales staff. In response to tracking usage of a medical device, the usage module 421 is configured to generate usage data. For example, in some embodiments, the usage module 421 may generate a device usage ticket (“DUT”) when a medical device has been used such as in an operating room for a patient operation. In certain embodiments, the usage module 421 may also require hospital personnel, such as operating room doctors or staff, to sign or otherwise confirm the DUT (e.g., by electrically signing the DUT, by physically signing and scanning in the DUT, by clicking an acknowledgement box, etc.). The usage module 421 compiles the usage data and may be configured to share the usage data with other modules of the monitoring system 110. To illustrate, the usage module 421 may share the usage data with the inventory module 420, such that the inventory module 420 can update the inventory database 426.

Memory 406 is shown to include an ordering module 424. Ordering module 424 is configured to generate a purchase order to the supplier of the medical device based on the usage data from the usage module 421. In one embodiment, the ordering module 424 may generate a purchase order whenever a medical device is used. In another embodiment, the ordering module 424 may generate a purchase order once a certain number of medical devices have been used. In still another embodiment, the ordering module 424 may generate a purchase order periodically, such as once a month for medical devices used in the previous months. Ordering module 424 may submit the purchase order to any entity or entities involved in the supply of the medical device, such as a vendor or a manufacturer.

In some embodiments, ordering module 424 is also configured to generate a supply order for one or more medical devices to provide to a vendor or manufacturer 440. In one embodiment, ordering module 424 may check inventory database 426 to determine the current stock of various medical devices in a hospital. If the stock of a particular medical device is running low or is out, ordering module 424 may be configured to automatically generate a supply order to replenish the stock of the medical device. In another embodiment, ordering module 424 may be configured to generate a supply order for one or more medical devices based on a user (e.g., surgeon) input. In another embodiment, ordering module 424 may be configured to provide a notification that an inventory of a medical device needs to be replenished. In this way, the ordering module 424 may ensure that the hospital always has a sufficient supply of medical devices to meet demands.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the ordering module 424 may be able to predict future usage of medical devices or develop a schedule for replacing a stock of medical devices in a hospital based on the usage. For example, when the stock of a medical device is reduced, ordering module 424 may predict when a supply order needs to be submitted to a vendor or manufacturer 440 so that the hospital does not run out of the medical device. Ordering module 424 may generate a medical device replacement schedule which allows for order generation on a scheduled basis.

Memory 406 is shown to include a billing module 422. Billing module 422 is configured to generate transaction details (i.e., pricing information and/or an invoice) for use of a medical device. In some embodiments, the billing module 422 is configured to generate an invoice in response to generation of the purchase order by the ordering module 424. For example, device ID module 410 may detect the usage of an implant in an operation. In response, the ordering module 424 may generate a purchase order for the usage of the implant. Billing module 422 may then generate an invoice charging the hospital for use of the implant based on the purchase order. Billing module 422 may be configured to generate an invoice for each medical device, or may generate an invoice for the use of several medical devices over time. As such, the billing module 422 may generate an invoice charging the hospital when the hospital submits a purchase order for a number of implants.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the billing module 422 may coordinate payment between various parties to a medical device transaction or ordering process, as described in further detail below. For example, when a hospital or other healthcare facility uses and then generates a purchase order for one or more medical devices to the supplier of the medical devices, the billing module 422 may coordinate payment and the terms of the payment between the hospital or other healthcare facility and the supplier of the medical devices. Further, in some embodiments, the billing module 422 may be configured to coordinate the payments between the hospital, the supplier, and a manufacturer of the medical devices.

It should be understood that, in some embodiments, one or more of the modules 420-424 may be housed or implemented across different parties to a medical device transaction. For example, computing systems owned or operated by different parties may house one or more of the modules 420-424. As another example, the modules 420-424 may be provided by a single source, such as by a medical device management system, and the different parties may implement the modules 420-424 provided by the source as needed (e.g., the parties may purchase only the modules they need, may subscribe to use the modules they need, etc.).

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate two different implementations of the modules 420-424 across different parties to a medical device transaction. Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, a hospital 450 may implement the inventory module 420 to track inventory of the medical device in the hospital 450. Additionally, the hospital 450 may implement the usage module 421 to track when medical devices have been used by the hospital 450. The hospital 450 may further implement the ordering module 424 to submit a purchase order to the vendor 440 in response to the hospital 450 using one or more medical devices, as tracked by the usage module 421. Based on inventory information gathered by the inventory module 420, the ordering module 424 may also submit a stock order to the vendor 440 when the stock of the medical device held at the hospital 450 is low. The vendor 440, on the other hand, may implement the billing module 422 to generate an invoice for the hospital 450 when the vendor 440 receives a purchase order from the hospital 450 indicating that the hospital 450 has used one or more medical devices.

Referring to FIG. 6, in another embodiment, a hospital 450 may implement the inventory module 420 to track the inventory of the medical device in the hospital 450. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the hospital 450 may only maintain a small stock of the medical device. For example, the hospital 450 may only bring in the medical devices as needed on a case-by-case basis. Alternatively, the hospital 450 may consign the medical devices from the vendor 440 a. As such, the inventory module 420 may track the number of medical devices present in the hospital, as well as upcoming cases where additional medical devices may be needed. The hospital 450 may also implement the usage module 421 to track when the medical devices have been used by the hospital 450. The hospital 450 may further implement the ordering module 424 to submit a purchase order to the vendor 440 a based on usage data produced by the usage module 421 and to contact the vendor 440 a to receive additional medical devices according to the needs of upcoming cases.

Similarly, the vendor 440 a may also implement the inventory module 420 to track the inventory of medical devices at the vendor 440 a and/or medical devices at or consigned to the hospital 450. The vendor 440 a may additionally implement the ordering module 424 to order additional medical devices from a manufacturer 440 b of the medical device, for example, once the stock of the medical device at the vendor 440 a reaches a certain level. The vendor 440 a may further implement a billing module 422 to generate an invoice for the hospital 450 in response to receipt of a purchase order from the hospital. Moreover, the manufacturer 440 b may likewise implement the billing module 422 to generate invoices for the vendor 440 a in response to the vendor 440 a ordering additional medical devices from the manufacturer 440 b.

It should also be understood that FIGS. 5 and 6 are intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and that additional implementations of the modules 420-424 are contemplated herein. As another example, a hospital may communicate directly with a manufacturer of medical devices to receive a stock of the medical devices and to submit a purchase order when the hospital uses one or more of the medical devices. The manufacturer may then fulfill the order through a sales representative or distributor vendor, which provides the medical devices to the hospital. The hospital pays the manufacturer for the medical devices, and the manufacturer provides a commission to the sales representative or distributor based on the hospital's payment. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more of the modules 420-424 may be implemented by a computing system not part of the monitoring system 110 but which communicates with the monitoring system 110 (e.g., through a network).

In various embodiments, the inventory module 420, usage module 421, billing module 422, and/or ordering module 424 may be configured provide an incentive system to the various parties involved in a transaction for medical devices. For example, various parties to the ordering process may include a hospital or other healthcare facility that uses medical devices, the manufacturer of the medical devices, and/or a medical device vendor (e.g., a distributor or sales representative affiliated with the manufacturer, a medical device supplier, etc.) that provides medical devices to the hospital or healthcare facility. As described herein, the incentive system may give the parties ordering and reimbursement flexibility in line with their priorities, which in turn may incentivize the timing of these various parties in performing their tasks in the transaction. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the incentive system may also include disincentives, for example, the loss of a contracted discount if a hospital does not issue a purchase order by a specified date. Accordingly, references herein to an “incentive” or an “incentive system” are meant to include both incentives and/or disincentives.

As an illustration, in some embodiments, a hospital may order medical device stock from a manufacturer. A vendor associated with the manufacturer, such as a distributor or sales representative affiliated with the manufacturer, may provide the medical devices to the hospital. As such, when the ordering module 424 creates a purchase order in response to usage data from the usage module 421, the purchase order may be sent directly or indirectly (e.g., via the distributor or sales representative) to the manufacturer. As part of creating the transaction details or invoice for the hospital and coordinating payment for the purchase order, the billing module 422 may provide the distributor or sales representative with options for expedited payment of their commission by the manufacturer in exchange for a discount. For example, the billing module 422 may send the distributor or sales representative an email, a link, an automatic call, and so on through which the distributor or sales representative may select a desired payment timing in exchange for the discount.

In some arrangements, the options may be discrete. As an illustration, the distributor or sales representative may be able to opt for overnight payment in return for accepting a 15% discount, a 30-day payment in return for accepting a 10% discount, a 60-day payment in return for accepting a 5% discount, or the full fee for standard payment timing (e.g., upon the manufacturer's receipt of the payment for the purchase order from the hospital or based on a standard payment period agreed upon between the distributor or sales representative and the hospital or manufacturer). Alternatively, in other arrangements, the options may be selectable by the distributor or sales representative. As another illustration, billing module 422 may provide the distributor or sales representative with a user interface including a sliding bar that adjusts the timing for the payment versus the discount for the payment (e.g., between a 15% discount for an overnight payment to no discount for a standard 90-day payment).

Similarly, in some embodiments, the medical device vendor (e.g., the manufacturer of the medical device in the example above, a medical device supplier, etc.) may be presented through the billing module 422 with options for payment timing by the hospital in exchange for the hospital receiving a discount on the purchase order. For example, when the billing module 422 prepares the transaction details, or an invoice, for the hospital, the billing module 422 may provide the manufacturer with payment timing options through an email, a link, an automatic call, and so. The options may be discrete or may be selectable by the manufacturer, similar to the options described above for the distributor or sales representative. Alternatively, the billing module 422 may allow the manufacturer to select payment timing in exchange for a discount based on a more traditional factoring or early payment discount function.

In some embodiments, a separate financing party may coordinate payments or serve as a payment intermediary between the hospital and the medical device vendor. For example, the hospital may pay the separate financing party the amount for the purchase order, and the financing party may pay the purchase order amount to the vendor. In such embodiments, for example, if the vendor selects a discounted purchase order in exchange for an expedited payment, the hospital may be unaffected in its payment timing. Instead, the financing party may provide the early payment to the vendor in exchange for the discount, while the hospital pays the full invoice amount to the financing party based on a timing agreed upon between the hospital and the financing party.

A hospital issuing a purchase order in a less than timely manner may also be a delay point in the transaction process. For example, a hospital not issuing a purchase order in a timely manner may notify a medical device vendor that it has used a number of medical devices until well after it has done so. Thus, in some embodiments, the billing module 422 may alternatively or additionally be configured to give the hospital options for adjusting timing of the purchase order issuance in exchange for a discount. For example, if the hospital and a vendor have an ongoing relationship, the billing module 422 and the ordering module 424 may coordinate a payment agreement between the hospital and the vendor such that the hospital agrees that, once it has used a certain number of medical devices, the hospital should issue the purchase order in a certain timeframe. If the hospital does issue the purchase order in the timeframe, the hospital receives a discount on the purchase order. However, if the hospital issues the purchase order outside of the timeframe, the hospital loses the discount.

As an illustration, in some arrangements, if the hospital issues the purchase order in a timely manner (e.g., with a 60-day fulfillment period, with a 90-day fulfillment period, etc.), the hospital may be eligible for a discounted price for the purchase order and/or reduced or removed transaction or financing fees. For example, the hospital may receive a 10% discount for issuing the purchase order within 30 days of using the medical device(s) included in the purchase order or a 5% discount for issuing the purchase order within 60 days of using the medical device(s) included in the purchase order. In some arrangements, the hospital may become eligible for a discount by setting up purchase orders through the ordering module 424, which may automatically issue purchase orders with fulfillment periods long enough to avoid delays.

As another illustration, the hospital may receive discounts or other incentives for the manner in which it issues the purchase order. As an example, if the hospital issues the purchase order in a manner that minimizes manual input by the manufacturer, distributor, sales representative, and so on (e.g., by using the ordering module 424 instead of using a paper sales form that must be manually input, by minimizing manual restocking of the medical devices, etc.), the hospital may be eligible for a discounted price on the purchase order and/or fees. As another example, the ordering module 424 may provide the hospital with the option to receive a discounted price and/or fees in exchange for agreeing to use off-site specialists via teleconferencing, as described herein.

Additionally or alternatively, the billing module 422 may coordinate a similar payment agreement between a hospital and a medical device vendor. As an example, when the billing module 422 generates an invoice for the hospital based on a purchase order, the billing module 422 may be configured to provide the hospital with options for the timing of the invoice payment. The hospital may elect to pay within a certain timeframe for a certain discount. For example, the hospital may elect to pay within 30 days to receive a 15% discount or 60 days to receive a 5% discount. Similar to the examples described above, the hospital may be given discrete or selectable options depending on the implementation of the incentive system.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the billing module 422 may not generate an invoice reflecting a party's selection of an incentive option. For example, when the ordering module 424 generates a purchase order for a hospital, the ordering module 424 may also notify the hospital of the price of the medical device(s) covered in the purchase order and provide the hospital with incentive options that are available to the hospital, such as the option to receive a discounted price for the medical devices in exchange for expedited payment to the vendor that supplied the medical devices. As such, the hospital may accept one or more incentive options by performing the actions requisite for the incentive option, such as by sending the vendor the expedited discount payment early such that no invoice is generated. In some implementations, the monitoring system 110 may coordinate the payment or otherwise be notified that the expedited payment has occurred, thereby receiving the hospital's incentive selection. As another example, the billing module 422 may generate an invoice including all of the incentive options available to the parties to the medical device transaction, and the parties may elect incentive options to the billing module 422 and/or perform the actions requisite for the incentive option.

Furthermore, it should be understood that the above examples of incentive options are intended to be illustrative. Other incentive options are also contemplated herein. As an illustration, a hospital and a medical device vendor may agree on a supply fulfillment period when the hospital requests additional medical device inventory from the vendor. Through the modules 420-424, the hospital may agree to pay the vendor full price for the medical device, or an additional premium, in exchange for a shorter inventory fulfillment period (e.g., a week) or agree to pay the vendor a discount in exchange for a longer inventory fulfillment period (e.g., 45 days).

In various embodiments, the inventory module 420, billing module 422, and/or ordering module 424 may place obligations or registration requirements on the parties to the ordering process to be eligible to use the incentive system described above. For example, to be eligible to participate in the discounted rate system, a party may need to have completed all of the tasks leading up to a completed purchase order for medical devices, as well as addressed regulatory or compliance issues with regard to the purchase order. In some arrangements, different levels of fees or discounts may be available to the parties based on their business volume, quality of regulatory or compliance care, compliance with corporate policies, goals, and so on. As an illustration, an incentive system may be made available to a manufacturer of medical devices to improve the manufacturer's cash flow timing and ability to meet immediate needs for hospitals or other healthcare facilities ordering medical devices from the manufacturer. As another illustration, the incentive system may be made available to hospitals to enable purchasing discounts, which may result in healthcare savings that are passed onto consumers. Further, different tiers of discounts may be made available the parties involved in the ordering process that the parties may “unlock” by fulfilling the requirement(s) for a given tier. For example, a hospital may “unlock” different discount tiers based on the transactional efficiency of the hospital, which may be affected, for example, by the hospital using the ordering module 424 rather than manual purchase order forms, by making purchase orders in a timely fashion, by agreeing to use specialist services via teleconferencing offered by the manufacturer, and so on.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the inventory module 420, usage module 419, billing module 422, and/or ordering module 424 may disqualify some parties to the ordering process from using the incentive system based on various factors. For example, a hospital may be disqualified based on a history of late payments (e.g., three or more late payments in the past year) or based on an assessment that the hospital is a high risk entity (e.g., has a high debt-to-asset ratio). The inventory module 420, usage module 421, billing module 422, and/or ordering module 424 may also disqualify parties based on past participation in an incentive system. As an example, if a sales representative elects to receive a discounted price in exchange for early payment by the hospital, and the hospital defaults on their debt one or more times, the hospital may be disqualified from using some or all of the incentive system.

Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the inventory module 420, usage module 421, billing module 422, and/or ordering module 424 may identify to parties using the incentive system which entities may be risky to engage with using the incentive system, or in business in general. For example, when the ordering module 424 sends a purchase order to a medical device manufacturer on the behalf of a hospital, the ordering module 424 may indicate how likely it is that the hospital will pay an invoice for the purchase order on time. As another example, when the billing module 422 provides a hospital with the option to receive a discount in exchange for a longer fulfillment period for a distributor fulfilling an order for additional medical device stock, the billing module 422 may indicate how likely it is that the distributor will be able to fulfill the purchase order early (e.g., based on a current understanding of the distributor's stock or the distributor's fulfillment history).

The incentive system described herein provides a number of technical advantages over current medical device ordering processes. Currently, processes for ordering medical devices are often inefficient due to, for example, hospitals belatedly sending out purchase orders. As a hospital is typically only billed for medical devices once a purchase order indicating that the hospital has used the medical devices is sent out, late purchase orders may cause cash flow issues for the vendor that provided the medical devices to the hospital (e.g., the medical device manufacturer, a medical device supplier, a medical device distributor, etc.). If a medical device manufacturer in involved in a medical device transaction involving the hospital, this in turn may make it difficult for a manufacturer to produce additional medical devices to provide to the hospital and to other healthcare facilities because although the manufacturer may be owed the payment due to the hospital's uses of the medical devices, the manufacturer may not currently have the capital needed to pay for production expenses. Similarly, if a distributor, supplier, sales representative, etc. is involved in the medical device transaction, it may be difficult for that party to purchase and supply medical device stock for the hospital or other healthcare facilities because the party may not have the necessary capital.

As such, the present systems and methods for an incentive system as described above provide technical solutions to these issues by providing various parties to medical device transactions (including hospitals, manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and other vendors) with discount options incentivizing the parties to complete their tasks in the transaction in a way that maximizes payments or improves the timing payments. For example, a vendor with cash flow issues may elect through the incentive system described herein to receive expedited payment in exchange for a discount. This may allow a manufacturer to produce additional medical devices, or a supplier to replenish medical device stocks, to fulfill future purchase orders. Additionally, a hospital may receive a discount on the purchase order payment if it sends out the purchase order in a timely fashion (e.g., a certain time after using the medical device(s) covered in the purchase order) or elects to use the monitoring and tracking systems described herein that help ensure purchase orders are placed in a timely fashion. This may help ensure that the hospital maintains accurate accounting of medical device stocks that it has used and needs to pay for, as well as help vendors with cash flow issues. As another example, a hospital may be incentivized to place supply orders for additional medical device stocks or purchase orders in a more efficient manner by receiving discounts for actions that reduce inefficiencies in the transaction, such as by using electronic purchase order forms, minimizing manual restocking of medical devices, and so on. Moreover, because the discounted rate system described herein may incentivize efficient medical device transactions through discounts, this may also result in cost savings that are passed onto patients, thereby decreasing healthcare expenses for the end consumer.

Furthermore, the incentive system described herein may improve the functioning of various computing systems involved in medical device transactions. For example, a hospital using a traditional ordering process may place a medical device purchase order in a way that results in a vendor responsible for processing the purchase order needing to use their computing systems to compensate for various inefficiencies in the purchase order. As an illustration, the vendor may have to use the computing system to manually enter information from a paper sales form submitted by the hospital or use the computing system to track down completed purchase orders. By contrast, the discounted rate system described herein may incentivize the hospital to decrease inefficiencies in the ordering process, as described above, thereby freeing the bandwidth and processors of the vendor's computing system for other tasks in medical device transactions. As another example, the hospital may be incentivized to use the monitoring or tracking systems described herein based on discounts offered through the incentive system. If the hospital does use the monitoring or tracking systems to automatically place purchase orders, hospital personnel do not have to use the hospital's computing systems to check medical device inventory and use, manually place purchase orders, and so on, thereby also freeing the bandwidth and processors of the hospital's computing systems for other tasks.

Referring to FIG. 7, a flow chart of a process 500 for providing various inventory and sales functions in response to a detected use of a medical device is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Process 500 may be executed by monitoring system 110 and more particularly modules 420-424 for providing services related to the medical device usage. Process 500 generally includes a detection step and several subsequent steps that may be executed based on the detection step. While process 500 illustrates several steps 504-512 in response to the detection of a medical device, it should be understood that some of steps 504-512 may not be executed, steps 504-512 may be executed in any order, or otherwise.

Process 500 includes detecting the use of the medical device (step 502). The use of the medical device may be detected in an operating room by a monitoring system. Alternatively, or additionally, the use of the medical device may be recorded by computer entry as a fallback. The medical device may include an RFID tag readable by an RFID reader, a bar code readable by a camera and monitoring system, or any other identifier configured to be readable by a monitoring system.

Process 500 includes updating an inventory of the medical device (step 504). Step 504 may generally include detecting the use of a medical device in an operation and generating usage data for the medical device in response to the detected use. Step 504 may also include updating the inventory in an inventory database as needed (e.g., if the medical device is implanted into a patient). Step 504 may further include detecting if a medical device is replaced or not used in an operation after an initial identification of the medical device.

Process 500 further includes generating a purchase order for the hospital (step 506). The purchase order indicates that the hospital has used the medical device. In various embodiments, the purchase order may be for use of a single medical device, or may be for the use of many medical devices, accumulated over time. Step 506 may include using current inventory information and/or scheduled operations to determine when to generate the purchase order. Step 506 may further include using other information (e.g., a purchase order schedule, a particular date or time, etc.) to determine when to generate the purchase order. In various arrangements, the purchase order is submitted to the vendor supplying the medical devices, which then issues an invoice to the hospital charging the hospital for the medical devices covered in the purchase order.

Process 500 further includes generating a report for a supplier (step 508). The report may generally relate to medical device usage in the hospital. For example, the report may indicate the current inventory in the hospital, outstanding invoices, and other billing information related to the hospital, the operations the medical devices were used in, or otherwise. In various embodiments, reports may be generated on a scheduled basis or on a per-use basis. Step 508 may further include generating a supply order for more medical devices.

Process 500 further includes retrieving medical device information (step 510) and displaying the medical device information (step 512). For example, process 500 may be executed during an operation in an operating room. Steps 510-512 may include retrieving information relevant to the current operation and displaying the information on a monitor in the operating room in order to assist the surgeon in the operating room.

Referring to FIG. 8, a flow chart of a process 550 for providing an incentive system to parties to a medical device transaction is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Process 550 may be executed by monitoring system 110 and more particularly modules 420-424 for providing services related to the medical device usage. Process 550 generally includes a detection step and several subsequent steps that may be executed based on the detection step. While process 550 illustrates several steps 554-560 in response to the detection of a medical device, it should be understood that some of steps 554-560 may not be executed, steps 554-560 may be executed in any order, or otherwise. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more steps 554-560 may be executed in response to usage data, such as a DUT, or a purchase order manually input through a monitoring system (e.g., input by a user via the usage module 421 or ordering module 424 of the monitoring system 110), rather than automatically in response to detection that a medical device has been used.

Process 550 includes detecting the use of the medical device (step 552). The use of the medical device may be detected in an operating room by a monitoring system. The medical device may include an RFID tag readable by an RFID reader, a bar code readable by a camera and monitoring system, or any other identifier configured to be readable by a monitoring system. In some implementations, the medical device usage may be determined based on manually entered usage information by operating room personnel or sales staff.

Process 550 includes updating an inventory of the medical device (step 554). Step 554 may generally include detecting the use of the medical device in an operation and generating usage data for the medical device in response to the detected use. Step 554 may also include updating the inventory in an inventory database as needed (e.g., if the medical device is implanted into a patient). Step 554 may further include detecting if a medical device is replaced or not used in an operation after an initial identification of the medical device.

Process 550 further includes generating a purchase order for the hospital (step 556). The purchase order indicates that the hospital has used the medical device. In various embodiments, the purchase order may be for use of a single medical device, or may be for the use of many medical devices, accumulated over time. Step 556 may include using current inventory information and/or scheduled operations to determine when to generate the purchase order. Step 506 may further include using other information (e.g., a purchase order schedule, a particular date or time, etc.) to determine when to generate the purchase order. In various arrangements, the purchase order is submitted to one or more parties involved in the medical device transaction, such as a manufacturer of the medical devices, the medical device supplier, a medical device distributor, etc.

Process 550 further includes providing incentive options to the various parties involved in the medical device transaction (step 558). As discussed above, for example, the discounted rate options for a manufacturer, distributor or sales representative, hospital, etc. may include options for expedited payment/commission in exchange for a discount. Alternatively, in some embodiments, at least some incentive options may be decided on before the issuance of the purchase order. For example, the hospital may receive a discount at step 556 for issuing a timely purchase order (e.g., a purchase order within 30 days of medical device use).

In some embodiments, step 558 may include determining whether each of the parties to the medical device transaction have fulfilled certain obligations or registration requirements needed for the party to be eligible to use the incentive system. For example, step 558 may include checking whether a manufacturer has met certain regulatory and compliance requirements, checking whether a distributor or sales representative has done a certain quantity of business, and checking whether the hospital has signed up to use specialists provided by the manufacturer or distributor/sales representative via teleconferencing. Further, step 558 may include determining which incentive options are available to each party, for example, determined to be eligible to use the incentive system. As an example, step 558 may include determining that the distributor or sales representative is eligible for an option allowing for expedited commission payment in exchange for a discounted commission and that the hospital is eligible for an option allowing for a discounted purchase order price in exchange an expedited purchase order payment. In some arrangements, determining which incentive options are available to each party may include determining which pricing tiers the party has “unlocked.”

Process 550 further includes generating transaction details, such as generating an invoice, for the hospital (step 560). The invoice charges the hospital for the medical device purchase order. Additionally, the invoice takes into account any discounts, fulfillment periods, payment periods, etc. selected by the parties to the ordering process through the incentive system.

Referring to FIG. 9, a flow chart of a process 600 for providing a video connection between personnel in an operating room and a product specialist is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Process 600 may be executed by monitoring system 110 and more particularly modules 410-418 for providing services related to the medical device usage. Process 600 generally includes a detection step and several subsequent steps that may be executed based on the detection step. While process 600 illustrates several steps 604-608 in response to the detection of a medical device, it should be understood that some of steps 604-608 may not be executed, steps 604-608 may be executed in any order, or otherwise.

Process 600 includes detecting the use of a medical device (step 602). The use of the medical device may be detected in an operating room by a monitoring system. The medical device may include a RFID tag readable by a RFID reader, a bar code readable by a camera and monitoring system, or any other identifier configured to be readable by a monitoring system. Additionally or alternatively, step 602 may include a user request or other input relating to the medical device (e.g., a request for help relating to the medical device).

Process 600 includes identifying the medical device and a product specialist associated with the medical device (step 604). Step 604 may include identifying medical device information, a vendor or supplier of the medical device, and other information related to the medical device. The identification of such information may be made using a unique identifier of the medical device.

Process 600 includes establishing a communications link with the product specialist (step 606) and setting up a videoconference between the operating room and the product specialist (step 608). The product specialist may then provide advisory services to a surgeon for medical device usage, may monitor an operation, may provide live training for using the medical device, and provide other services “live” in the same manner that an on-site product specialist could.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-9, a monitoring system is described that may be implemented in an operating room for tracking medical device usage. Alternatively or additionally, medical device usage may be tracked via shipping containers in which the medical devices are shipped to the hospital. A processing circuit integrated with the shipping container may be configured to track medical device usage by tracking when a medical device is removed from the shipping container. The processing circuit integrated with the shipping container may then provide various services relating to the medical device. For example, the processing circuit may be useful for sales (e.g., for ordering medical devices when the inventory runs low in the shipping container), inventory, quality control, obsolescence tracking (e.g., when a medical device is no longer usable), surgical training, and more.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a shipping container 700 for medical devices is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Shipping container 700 includes a plurality of trays 708, each tray including one or more medical devices 710. Each medical device 710 may include an identifier 712. Each identifier 712 may be unique to its medical device 710. For example, each identifier may be numbered individually such that the individual device may be identified. As another example, identifiers 712 may be RFID tags with information unique to the medical device. Additionally, each tray 708 may include an identifier such as an RFID tag. The identifier for each tray 708 may include information relating to the individual contents of each tray.

As described above, the identifiers may be RFID tags. In one embodiment, the RFID tags may be a read/write tag that may be altered by the shipper before shipping container 700 is sent to a hospital, and may be altered by shipping container 700 when medical devices are removed. In another embodiment, the RFID tags may be a read-only tag to be replaced in shipping container 700 before each shipment.

Shipping container 700 is further shown to include a tracking system 702 configured to support the tracking activities of shipping container 700. Shipping container 700 further includes a display 704 on which medical device information may be displayed. Display 704 may include a monitor, lights, or any other type of display that provides information to a user relating to a current status of the content of shipping container 700. For example, display 704 may provide information relating to the removal of a medical device when the removal occurs. Shipping container 700 further includes an RFID reader 706 configured to read RFID tags. Shipping container 700 may alternatively or additionally include other sensors for tracking medical devices. While shipping container 700 illustrates a single RFID reader 706, in various embodiments, shipping container 700 may include any number of RFID readers.

Medical devices 710 may be shipped in shipping container 700 in one of two conditions. In one embodiment, each medical device may be sterilely packaged in a disposable or reusable container. The sterile packaging may contain individual RFID chips and/or visual identifiers such as a bar code or number. RFID reader 706 may be configured to detect each medical device 710 using the RFID chips, while a surgeon or other user may verify the correct medical device was chosen based on the visual identifier. In another embodiment, each medical device may be delivered in a tray 708 suitable for steam or gas sterilization. Each tray may be positioned such that the removal of the tray or any of its medical devices is automatically detected by RFID reader 706.

RFID reader 706 may detect the removal of one or more medical devices 710. Trays 708 and medical devices 710 may be positioned in shipping container 700 in such a way that the removal of a medical device 710 results in the detection of an identifier 712 by RFID reader 706. Further, RFID reader 706 may be configured to detect an identifier associated with a tray 708 to determine the current contents of the tray. Upon detection of an RFID tag by RFID reader 706, a signal may be sent to tracking system 702 for updating the inventory of shipping container 700 and providing services related to the removed medical device 710. In one embodiment, RFID reader 706 may detect the addition of one or more medical devices 710 to shipping container 700 as well.

Referring also to FIG. 11, shipping container 700 is shown in operating room 100. In one embodiment, shipping container 700 may be located in operating room 100, and the tracking system of shipping container 700 may work in concert with monitoring system 110 of operating room 100. In another embodiment, shipping container 700 may be located remotely from operating room 100, but the tracking system of shipping container 700 may still work in concert with monitoring system 110. In yet another embodiment, the tracking system of shipping container 700 may operate independent of monitoring system 110.

In the embodiment of FIG. 11, a surgeon 102 removes a medical device 710 from shipping container 700. RFID reader 706 may detect the removal of medical device 710 via identifier 712 and may provide a signal to tracking system 702. Further, cameras 112 and/or RFID reader 114 of operating room 100 may also detect medical device 710 via identifier 712 or other identification methods. Tracking system 702 may be connected to cameras 112 and RFID reader 114 and verify the usage of medical device 710. Alternatively, a monitoring system 110 may verify the use, or monitoring system 110 and tracking system 702 may verify the detection with one another.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a tracking system 702 integrated with shipping container 700 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Tracking system 702 may generally be configured to monitor activity related to shipping container 700, including the removal and use of one or more medical devices 710. For example, tracking system 702 may update inventory, identify a medical device 710 being removed and used, identify a product specialist associated with the removed medical device 710, and such services.

As shown in FIG. 8, tracking system 702 may be implemented as part of a computing system integrated with shipping container 700; in other embodiments, tracking system 702 may be implemented remotely from shipping container 700. Further, while tracking system is shown as a single system, it should be understood that some of the modules, databases, and other components of tracking system 702 may be located in different locations, computing devices, etc. (e.g., in monitoring system 110).

Tracking system 702 is shown in FIG. 8 as a system that may provide the services described in the present disclosure independently. In other embodiments, tracking system 702 may work in concert with monitoring system 110, or may provide some of the same functionality as monitoring system 110.

Tracking system 702 includes a processing circuit 902 including a processor 904 and memory 906. Tracking system 702 further includes a communications interface 908 configured to communicate with communicate with various equipment, devices, and the like. Communications interface 908 may be configured to establish a wireless or wired (e.g., USB) connection with any number of local devices (e.g., display 704, RFID reader 706), remote systems (e.g., monitoring system 110) or outside sources (e.g., vendor or manufacturer 440, product specialist 442, etc.). Processing circuit 902, processor 904, memory 906, and communications interface 908 may have the same general functionality as described above with reference to FIG. 4.

While communications interface 908 is shown connected to a plurality of devices and sources, communications interface 908 may further be connected to remote displays 106, remote devices 108, or other devices. If tracking system 702 is configured to control a simulcast or videoconference with an off-site product specialist, communications interface 908 may be configured to establish a wireless communications link with displays 106, remote devices 108, cameras 112, or RFID reader 114. Additionally, it should be understood that the communications interface 908 may communicate with devices not shown in FIG. 10, such as a patient's electronic medical record such that the tracking system 702 may download a UDI associated with a medical device implanted into the patient to the medical record.

Memory 906 is shown to include a device ID module 910. Device ID module 910 is configured to identify a medical device based on a signal from RFID reader 706. RFID reader 706 may detect a medical device via an RFID tag on the medical device as the medical device is removed from shipping container 700. In one embodiment, each medical device may include a unique RFID tag. Device ID module 410 may be configured to identify each medical device by its unique RFID tag. In another embodiment, device ID module 910 may be configured to identify a medical device based on an input from another sensor, camera, etc., using object recognition or text recognition.

Memory 906 is shown to include a tray ID module 912. Tray ID module 912 is configured to identify a tray 708 in shipping container 700 via an RFID tag (or other identifier). Tray ID module 912 may use the RFID tag to determine the current contents of tray 708. Tray ID module 912 may further write information to an RFID tag of a tray 708. For example, if the contents of a tray are changed (e.g., a medical device is removed from the tray), tray ID module 912 may be configured to receive a signal from RFID reader 706 related to the removal of the medical device. Tray ID module 912 may then cause information stored on the RFID tag of the tray to be updated (e.g., the inventory of the tray). Similarly, if a medical device is placed on a tray, the signal may be sent to tray ID module 912 and the information on the RFID tag of the tray may be updated.

Memory 906 is shown to include device information module 914. Device information module 914 is configured to provide medical device support for a removed medical device. Device information module 914 may identify medical device properties, preferred usage of the medical device, or supplier or product specialist information associated with the medical device. Device information module 914 may pull information from an inventory database 924 or medical device information database 926. Inventory database 924 may store current inventory information for the shipping container. Medical device information database 926 may store information such as an associated vendor and product specialist for each medical device.

In one embodiment, the information relating to the individual medical device includes one or more product specialists associated with the medical device. The product specialist may be a designated person trained to provide medical support for use of the medical device. The product specialist information may be used to contact the product specialist for setting up a teleconference with the product specialist on a remote display.

In one embodiment, device information module 914 may be used to verify if the medical device is to be used in an operation. For example, device information module 914 may retrieve operation information and use the information to verify that the correct medical device was removed from shipping container 700. If the wrong medical device was taken, display 704 may display the information, or the information may be sent to a remote display.

Memory 906 is shown to include a display module 916. Display module 916 may be configured to control a display 704 associated with shipping container 700. In one embodiment, display 704 may be a display integrated with shipping container 700. In other embodiments, display 704 may be a display detachable from shipping container 700, may be a display located near shipping container 700, or may be a remote display configured to display information for one or more shipping containers. Display module 916 may be configured to generate a display providing inventory information, medical device information, and other information generated by the modules of tracking system 702.

While not shown in FIG. 10, memory 906 may additionally include a camera module and/or video module for controlling cameras and other equipment located remotely from tracking system 702. For example, if an operating room includes tracking system 702 and not an independent monitoring system 110, tracking system 702 may include the camera module and/or video module as described in FIG. 4 to control the operation of the cameras and to provide telecommunications with an off-site product specialist.

Memory 906 generally includes inventory module 918, billing module 920, and ordering module 922 for providing sales services to the hospital. Modules 918-922 may generally be able to provide the same sales services an on-site product specialist can. Modules 918-922 may automatically track inventory (instead of a product specialist manually tracking), create invoices for medical device use (instead of a product specialist manually generated invoice), and generate orders for re-stocking the medical device (instead of a product specialist).

Memory 906 is shown to include an inventory module 918. Inventory module 918 is configured to track inventory of shipping container 700. Inventory module 918 may, upon detection of removal of a medical device, update the inventory in inventory database 924. Inventory database 924 may be accessible by any computer system and may provide up-to-date information relating to the current stock of medical devices in the hospital to any number of systems. For example, inventory module 918 may provide inventory information upon arrival of shipping container 700 to a hospital or vendor.

Memory 406 is shown to include a usage module 919. Usage module 919 is configured to track usage of a medical device by the hospital. As an example, the usage module 919 may be configured to interface with the device ID module 910 to identify via information from the monitoring system 110, RFID reader 706, or other devices that a medical device has been used. As another example, the usage module 919 may be configured to identify that a medical device has been used based on usage information manually entered by operating room personnel or sales staff. In response to tracking usage of a medical device, the usage module 919 is configured to generate usage data, such as a DUT. The usage module 919 compiles the usage data and may be configured to share the usage data with other modules of the tracking system 702. To illustrate, the usage module 919 may share the usage data with the inventory module 918, such that the inventory module 918 can update the inventory database 924.

Memory 406 is shown to include an ordering module 922. Ordering module 922 is configured to generate a purchase order to the supplier of the medical device based on the usage data from the usage module 919. In various embodiments, the ordering module 922 may generate a purchase order whenever a medical device is used, once a certain number of medical devices have been used, periodically, etc. Ordering module 922 may submit the purchase order to any entity or entities involved in the supply of the medical device, such as a vendor or manufacturer.

In some embodiments, ordering module 922 is also configured to generate a supply order for one or more medical devices to provide to a vendor or manufacturer 440. In one embodiment, ordering module 922 may check inventory database 924 to determine the current stock of medical devices in shipping container 700. If the stock is low or out in shipping container 700, ordering module 922 may be configured to automatically generate a supply order to provide to vendor or manufacturer 440 to replenish the stock of the medical device. In one embodiment, ordering module 922 may use a medical device usage rate, an estimated shipping time, or any other information that may impact the availability of medical devices in the hospital to determine when to generate a supply order. In some embodiments, the ordering module 922 may be able to predict future usage of medical devices or develop a schedule for replacing a stock of medical devices in a hospital based on usage. Ordering module 922 may generate a medical device replacement schedule which allows for order generation on a scheduled basis.

In one embodiment, ordering module 922 may use inventory information from other shipping containers or other hospital inventory information (e.g., inventory database 426 of monitoring system 110) to determine the current stock of a medical device. Ordering module 922 may be configured to use all such inventory information to determine if and when a supply order should be generated. In another embodiment, ordering module 922 may be configured to provide a notification that an inventory of a medical device needs to be replenished before generating a supply order.

Memory 406 is shown to include a billing module 920. Billing module 920 is configured to generate transaction details, such as an invoice for use of a medical device. For example, billing module 920 may be configured to generate an invoice charging the hospital for use of a medical device when the medical device is removed from shipping container 700. In such embodiments, the ordering module 922 may not generate purchase orders, and the hospital may instead be billed directly when the medical device is removed from shipping container 700. Alternatively, billing module 920 may be configured to wait for confirmation of use of the medical device (e.g., generation of a purchase order by the ordering module 922) before generating the invoice. In some embodiments, billing module 920 may be configured to generate an invoice for more than one medical devices, for all medical devices in shipping container 700, or otherwise. Further, in some arrangements, billing module 920 may be configured to generate an invoice when the ordering module 922 places a supply order to a vendor 440 to replenish the stock of medical devices. Additionally, in some embodiments, the billing module 920 may coordinate payment between various parties to a medical device transaction or ordering process, such as between a hospital or other healthcare facility, the manufacturer of the medical devices being purchased, and a medical device supplier providing the medical devices to the hospital.

In various embodiments, the inventory module 918, usage module 919, billing module 920, and/or ordering module 922 may be configured to provide an incentive system to the various parties to a medical device transaction, similar to modules 420-424 discussed above with reference to FIG. 4. For example, when the ordering module 922 creates a purchase order for a number of medical devices (e.g., based on usage information generated by the usage module 919), the billing module 920 may provide options to a manufacturer or other vendor 440 to accept a discount on the total payment amount in exchange for expedited payment. As another example, a hospital using the tracking system 702 may have the option for expedited delivery payment of the purchase order in exchange for a discount. Additionally, in some embodiments, the inventory module 918, usage module 919, billing module 920, and/or ordering module 922 may place obligations or registration requirements on the parties to the transaction to be eligible to use the incentive system. Moreover, in some arrangements, the parties may be provided with various pricing tiers based on their business volume, quality of regulatory or compliance care, compliance with corporate policies, goals, and so on.

It should be understood that, in some embodiments, one or more of the modules 918-922 may be housed or implemented across different parties to a medical device transaction, such as shown and described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. Additionally, it should be understood that the modules 918-922 may be the same as or may be different from the modules 420-424 described above. For example, the tracking system 702 and monitoring system 110 may track medical devices ordered through different systems, and as such the modules 420-424 may be different from the modules 918-922. Alternatively, the tracking system 702 and the monitoring system 110 may work in concert such that the modules 420-424 and modules 918-922 are the same modules performing the same functions with inputs from both the monitoring system 110 and the tracking system 702 (e.g., inputs from both the device ID module 410 and the device ID module 910).

Referring to FIG. 13, a flow chart of a process 1000 for tracking medical device usage using a processing circuit of the shipping container is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Process 1000 may be executed by tracking system 702 and more particularly modules 910-922 for providing services related to the medical device usage. Process 1000 generally includes a detection step and several subsequent steps that may be executed based on the detection step. While process 1000 illustrates several steps 1006-1012 in response to the detection of a medical device, it should be understood that some of steps 1006-1012 may not be executed, steps 1006-1012 may be executed in any order, or otherwise.

Process 1000 includes detecting the removal of the medical device from the shipping container (step 1002). The detection of the medical device may be achieved via a RFID reader or other sensor integrated with the shipping container. Alternatively, the detection of the medical device may be based on manual entry. Process 1000 may further include receiving an indication of usage of the medical device (step 1004). Such an indication may be received from a monitoring system, for example. In another embodiment, step 1004 may be skipped and steps 1006-1012 may be executed upon detection of removal of the medical device at step 1002.

Process 1000 includes recording usage of the medical device and updating an inventory of the shipping container (step 1006). Step 1006 may generally include updating an inventory database of the shipping container. Step 1006 may further include updating an overall inventory of the medical device in the hospital.

Process 1000 further includes generating an invoice for the hospital (step 1008). The invoice charges the hospital for use of the medical device. In various embodiments, the invoice may be for use of a single medical device, or may be for the use of many medical devices, accumulated over time. Step 1008 may include using current inventory information of the shipping container to determine when to generate the invoice. Step 506 may further include using other information (e.g., an invoice schedule, a particular date or time, etc.) to determine when to generate the invoice. Additionally, step 1008 may be based on the generation of a purchase order by the hospital or may be based solely on the use of the device.

Process 1000 further includes generating a report for a supplier (step 1010). The report may generally relate to medical device usage in the hospital. For example, the report may indicate the current inventory in the shipping container, outstanding invoices and other billing information related to the shipping container, or otherwise. In various embodiments, reports may be generated on a scheduled basis or on a per-use basis.

Process 1000 further includes generating an order for medical devices for a supplier (step 1012). The order may replenish the stock of the medical device in the hospital. In one embodiment, the order may be generated when the shipping container is out of medical devices or reaches a minimum threshold of medical devices.

As described above, monitoring system 110 and/or tracking system 702 may provide various medical device-related services for a hospital. In one embodiment, a plurality of tracking systems for each shipping container in a hospital may be used to provide the features described herein. Any combination of monitoring systems and tracking systems (including the omission of a monitoring system or tracking system) may be used to provide the features described herein.

The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, networked systems or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions. The machine-executable instructions may be executed on any type of computing device (e.g., computer, laptop, etc.) or may be embedded on any type of electronic device (e.g., a portable storage device such as a flash drive, etc.).

Although the figures may show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising a processing circuit and a communications interface, wherein the processing circuit comprises: an inventory module configured to track an inventory of medical devices; a usage module configured to generate usage data in response to use of one or more of the medical devices; an ordering module configured to generate a purchase order based on the usage data, the purchase order involving two or more parties; and a billing module configured to: determine whether each party involved in the purchase order is eligible to use an incentive system; determine incentive options available to each eligible party; provide the associated incentive options to each eligible party; receive at least one incentive option selection; and generate transaction details for the purchase order based on the at least one selection.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the two or more parties comprise a vendor supplying the medical devices, and the vendor is eligible to use the incentive system; and wherein the incentive options available to the vendor comprise an option to elect a discounted payment amount for the purchase order in exchange for an expedited payment.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the two or more parties comprise a manufacturer of the medical devices and a vendor supplying the medical devices, and the manufacturer and the vendor are eligible to use the incentive system; wherein the incentive options available to the manufacturer comprise an option to elect a discounted payment amount for the purchase order in exchange for an expedited payment; and wherein the incentive options available to the vendor comprise an option to elect a discounted commission from the manufacturer in exchange for an expedited commission payment.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the two or more parties comprise a hospital for which the purchase order is generated, and the hospital is eligible to use the incentive system; and wherein the incentive options available to the hospital comprise an option to elect an expedited payment for the purchase order in exchange for a discounted payment amount.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the billing module is further configured to determine whether the purchase order was generated within a certain timeframe; and wherein generating the transaction details for the purchase order is further based on whether the purchase order was generated within the timeframe.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the two or more parties comprise a hospital for which the purchase order is generated, and the hospital is eligible to use the incentive system; and wherein the incentive options available to the hospital comprise an option to elect to agree to use specialists for the medical devices available via teleconferencing in exchange for a discounted payment amount for the purchase order.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the two or more parties comprise a hospital for which the purchase order is generated, and wherein the billing module is configured to provide a discounted payment amount for the purchase order to the hospital based on the purchase order being generated by the ordering module.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein determining whether each party involved in the purchase order is eligible to use the incentive system comprises determining the eligibility of each party based on a business volume of the party.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein determining whether each party involved in the purchase order is eligible to use the incentive system comprises determining the eligibility of each party based on whether the party has fulfilled at least one of regulatory or compliance requirements relating to the medical devices.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the incentive options comprise two or more tiers of incentive options, each tier associated with one or more requirements necessary to receive the incentive options for the tier; and wherein determining the incentive options comprises determining whether each party eligible to use the incentive system has met the one or more requirements of each tier. 